In the USMC I’ve learned how to temper fear and live with fear as part of life. I call it “Domesticating Fear”.
Everything doesn’t need to be a life altering experience. I’ve learned how to deal with it. The last 5-10 years have swung one way, now it’s swinging the other way. This is the ebb and flow of life until a balance is obtained.
I’m trans and I’m not going anywhere. I don’t have mental issues, nor am I trying to force myself on anyone. I just want to live my life as the best person I can be.
Things aren’t what I’ve hoped as far as current transgender policy but I also know that acceptance takes time. IMHO extreme activism only serves to dig deeper the resistance of any opposition.
I’ll fight for trans rights by carrying myself at a high standard and changing minds one at a time. I don’t need to yell, scream and attack which only serves to put up barriers.
This is the passive resistance method Mahatma Gandhi spoke about and lived. It works. But in a microwave society, it seems for many, it’s not fast enough.
This is MY WAY, you may not agree with me and that’s perfectly fine. Just don’t hate me for seeing the achievement of the finish line differently than you.
Dr. Gwen Patrone
6 Responses
Gwen,
I totally agree with you. Well said.
Jocelyn
There are so many objectionable aspects of the current regime that, although prominently singled out for abuse, transgender people are in good company. I agree that we must exert passive resistance and live with domesticated fears. We have allies against the aims of regime. Though we may differ on minor things, many support the rule of law, support constitutional limits on power, support for curbs on the powers of oligarchs, support the application of reason and science, support meeting the basic needs of our citizens, and support our allies around the world, including those under direct attack and those under threat of subversion by foreign authoritarian influences.
Yes the very radical in your face stuff is never helpful no matter what the agenda
The biggest problem always is those extream cases where a trans person does something that gets a headline then it’s a label put on all
Just be yourself and live your best life
I think a lot of our fears are imagined. I have been going out enfemme on and off since 1979 or 80. I can count on one hand when I had a disturbing incident. We watch the news and read the internet and some of us become afraid of going out. Life is Short, live it the way you feel
Gwen,
I understand your fears at the present time , I guess we’re luckier in the UK , perhaps we shouldn’t look at it as the wind of change but more of a storm that passes .
I’m gradually discovering that being transgender is not a barrier when interacting with society , I’m in no way ashamed of being so it’s a matter of truthfully accepting the fact and learning how to integrate it into my life . I accept I don’t bang the big drum because it’s not a subject the majority of people are concerned about .
I really find it illogical that so much is voiced about a tiny minority especially in the US , what do they fear from us ? When I hear official voices of condemnation they are talking out of ignorance , my answer to them is try living with GD before you condem us . I also find the official policy hypocritical as there are transgender people working within their own government departments .
I don’t force myself on people whether I’m transgender or not , the bottom line is if we have qualities people need and enjoy they will welcome you into their lives .
Gwen,
Being trans is the art of constantly learning how to overcome your fears. The fear of what others might say or do. Fear is what keeps most here in the closet.
However for me, pain and injuries have helped me to overcome many of my fears.
Cali